A deep dive into ‘The Affections’: A cinematic exploration of state violence and youth activism
A new voice in Chilean cinema
In the bustling city of Santiago, 2018, student protests are not just a backdrop but a central theme in Diego Ayala and Aníbal Jofre’s latest feature, “The Affections” (“Los Afectos”). This film, which premiered at the Santiago International Film Festival (Sanfic), delves into the harsh realities of state violence and the criminalization of dissent. The directors, who met in film school, have previously collaborated on the 2013 feature “Volantín Cortao”, which garnered attention at international festivals.
The story behind ‘The Affections’
Produced by Valentina Roblero Arellano and Francisca Mery at Chile’s Orion Cine, and co-produced by Ecuador’s Incubadora, “The Affections” follows the journey of school inspector Benjamín, portrayed by Gastón Salgado. Amidst the simmering unrest, Benjamín becomes increasingly wary of his daughter Karina’s close friend Iván, who encourages her bold activism. The narrative takes a tragic turn when Karina is killed by authorities during a demonstration, forcing Benjamín to reevaluate his long-held beliefs.
Watch the trailer for The Affections
A delicate portrayal of inner turmoil
The film masterfully portrays the inner workings of its protagonist as he grapples with the rigid responsibilities of his job while navigating the state-mandated violence that claimed his daughter. This collective commentary, through individual soul-searching and communal mourning, highlights the constraints both self-inflicted and socially infused.
A unique perspective on societal struggles
Valentina Roblero Arellano shared that the project captured her interest due to its focus on the people who make up society, combined with the directors’ style of sensitive realism. This approach has turned the challenging production process into an exquisite journey of cinematic thought, where elements like music disrupt the language with a fissure in reality.
A sobering dive into class consciousness
“The Affections” stands out in its representation of Chile’s ongoing upheaval, offering a uniquely sobering, class-conscious dive into the consequences of ignorance and hatred. The film’s dissonant and nearly suffocating first-hand perspective of its tortured male lead and the teenagers he oversees adds depth to the narrative.
Intimacy and coexistence
Diego Ayala emphasized the importance of approaching scenes from the intimacy of the characters. The film focuses on personal conversations and high school hallways rather than full classrooms, exploring the concept of coexistence. Ayala was inspired by Humberto Maturana’s definition of education as a transformation in coexistence.
Challenging old-guard masculinity
The film also challenges apathetic and absent old-guard masculinity, showcasing the youth as more structured and apt than their adult counterparts. The collapse of father figures on screen is juxtaposed with the strength of encouraged adolescent empathy. Gastón Salgado’s portrayal of Benjamín addresses a generation that grew up renouncing emotional excesses, facing a new paradigm where young people give more space to sensitivity.
The role of music in the narrative
Raw hip-hop vignettes and spoken-word beats appear throughout the film, serving as conduits for immense grief and tempered anger. These elements elevate the narrative and support the ongoing metamorphosis of the characters’ personal and political traumas.
A militant cinema for the moment
Aníbal Jofre described the film as a champurria of audiovisual genres, neither purist nor elegant, but positioned as militant cinema. This approach is honest for the moment in which it was shot, incorporating great artists like Gianluca and Sara Hebe to explore expressive possibilities where realism fell short of the horror of what happened.
A call for global solidarity
Ayala and Jofre’s project champions diverse perspectives, highlighting the global relevance of independent, regional cinema. As governments seek to restrict expression, these works contrast with mass media and social networks, representing the working classes beyond moral judgments or charity. The filmmakers draw inspiration from their environment, echoing the sentiment that the first reference must always be their own territory.
Final thoughts
“The Affections” is a powerful exploration of state violence, youth activism, and the personal and societal struggles that come with it. The film’s intimate portrayal of its characters, combined with its class-conscious narrative and innovative use of music, makes it a significant contribution to contemporary cinema. As we navigate a world where diverse voices are increasingly under threat, films like “The Affections” remind us of the importance of solidarity and the power of storytelling.